Tumblr User Gets Schooled On Basic Physics After Claiming Old-School Cars Are Superior To Modern Ones

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There's a widespread idea that cars back in the day used to be stronger, therefore, safer. This idea can't be further from the truth; people usually make this conclusion after noticing how sturdy old-school cars are after a crash.

Many drivers used to die on impact in the past after being impaled by a column in head-on crashes. According to Dr. Joel Kahn, a cardiologist and health advocate, "Modern vehicles are designed with advanced safety features that significantly reduce the risk of injury in accidents." Cars with rack and pinion steering were even deadlier since the steering column was pointed straight at the driver's heart.

Modern cars are much safer nowadays and are the fruit of years of safety engineering. They are built to protect drivers in case of a crash, and repairing them is much cheaper because of the used fiberglass.

They might seem safer because the manufacturing process and chosen materials used to be different back in the day. When old-school cars crash into modern cars, the damage is usually more noticeable on the latter, and people mistake that for safety.

A Redditor who goes by the username Dr. William Doherty made a post on the r/MurderedByWords subReddit containing a quite informative Tumblr thread where a user got to school on basic physics after glorifying old-school cars. Scroll down to check out the full thread, and scroll a little further to read the comments from the original post. ```

The debate was triggered by a post made by the blacktwittercomedy Tumblr page:

Reddit: r/MurderedByWords

This user commented on the post where they glorified old-school cars.

Reddit: r/MurderedByWords

A user who goes by the username ”becausedragonage” replied to the previous claims and schooled the Tumblr user:

Reddit: r/MurderedByWords

The Illusion of Safety in Old Cars

The perception that older cars are safer than modern vehicles is driven by a cognitive bias known as the 'availability heuristic.' This psychological phenomenon occurs when people assess the probability of events based on how easily examples come to mind. In the case of older cars, individuals might recall instances of vehicles surviving crashes and assume that their sturdy construction equates to safety. However, Dr. Adam Grant, an organizational psychologist, states, "People often overestimate the safety of older cars because they remember the few instances where they performed well in accidents, ignoring the advancements in safety technology in newer models." Modern cars are designed with advanced safety features, such as crumple zones and airbags, which significantly reduce the risk of serious injury in accidents, as highlighted on his website adamgrant.net.

Studies demonstrate that the structural integrity of older vehicles can often be misleading; while they may appear robust, they lack essential safety technology that protects occupants. Therefore, it’s crucial to challenge these misconceptions by promoting education on vehicle safety advancements to help drivers make more informed decisions.

The Cognitive Biases in Perceptions of Technology

Dr. Robert Anderson, a technology psychologist at Stanford, notes that perceptions of superiority regarding older versus newer technology often reflect cognitive biases.

These biases can stem from nostalgia and familiarity, which lead individuals to overvalue past innovations while undervaluing advancements.

This phenomenon highlights how emotional attachments can cloud objective assessments of technology.

Driving used to be much more dangerous than today because of how cars were made.

Reddit: r/MurderedByWords

The strong frame surrounding the passenger protects them from deadly impacts.

Reddit: r/MurderedByWords

Old-school cars are not built like tanks and are quite dangerous.

Reddit: r/MurderedByWords

Confirmation Bias in Consumer Beliefs

When individuals have a strong belief, such as the superiority of vintage cars, they often seek out information that confirms their views while dismissing contradictory evidence. This cognitive distortion, known as confirmation bias, is well-documented in psychological research. A study by Nickerson (1998) revealed that individuals are more likely to engage with sources that reinforce their pre-existing beliefs, which can perpetuate misconceptions, such as the idea that older cars inherently provide better safety.

To mitigate the effects of confirmation bias, experts suggest actively seeking out diverse perspectives and engaging with reputable sources of information. By approaching topics with a mindset open to new evidence, individuals can cultivate a more rounded understanding of complex issues like vehicle safety.

Research in cognitive psychology indicates that these biases can skew our understanding of technological progress.

According to Dr. Angela Duckworth, a renowned psychologist and author, "Our emotional attachments to past technologies can create a cognitive bias that makes us resistant to modern advancements." You can find more insights on her work at angeladuckworth.com. Recognizing these biases is the first step toward developing a more balanced perspective.

The user chose this example to explain just how dangerous these cars can be.

Reddit: r/MurderedByWords

The crash would be fatal in this case.

Reddit: r/MurderedByWords

The user then gave another example, but this time, it was a modern car.

Reddit: r/MurderedByWords

Perception vs. Reality: A Psychological Perspective

The disparity between public perception and reality in vehicle safety can be linked to the psychological concept of 'optimism bias,' where people believe that they are less likely to experience negative outcomes compared to others. Research shows that individuals who drive older cars might overestimate their safety due to a false sense of security derived from the car's size and weight. This notion is supported by a study from the American Journal of Public Health, which found that these beliefs can lead to riskier driving behaviors.

To address this bias, educational campaigns that emphasize the benefits of modern safety features could help recalibrate public perception. Such initiatives may include community workshops or informative resources that highlight the technological advancements in vehicle safety, thereby fostering a more realistic understanding of the risks associated with different types of cars.

Encouraging Open-Mindedness in Technology Discussions

One practical approach to overcoming biases is fostering open-minded discussions about technology.

Encouraging individuals to explore both the advantages and disadvantages of various technologies can promote a more nuanced understanding.

Participating in forums or workshops on technology can provide valuable insights and help challenge preconceived notions.

Modern cars keep people alive; that's just a fact.

Reddit: r/MurderedByWords

Capitalism has nothing to do with it.

Reddit: r/MurderedByWords

Here's how the Reddit community reacted to u/marycooke:

Reddit: r/MurderedByWords

The Role of Nostalgia in Vehicle Preference

Nostalgia plays a significant role in shaping preferences for older vehicles, as many individuals associate them with positive memories or a simpler time. This emotional connection can distort rational evaluations of their safety. According to Dr. Daniel Gilbert, a happiness researcher, "Nostalgia can create a sense of belonging and self-worth, which may lead individuals to favor vintage cars over modern models, despite the latter's superior safety features." A practical recommendation for consumers is to balance emotional attachment with informed decision-making. For example, individuals can be encouraged to appreciate their nostalgic feelings while also considering the empirical evidence regarding safety and performance in modern vehicles.

Moreover, engaging with diverse perspectives can enrich one's understanding of technological advancements.

Listening to experts and users from varying backgrounds can help individuals appreciate the complexities of modern versus older technologies.

Ultimately, cultivating a mindset of curiosity rather than judgment can promote healthier discussions and better decision-making.

You have to be extra careful because you are the armor in that case.

Reddit: r/MurderedByWords

The user came prepared and refused to ignore misinformation.

Reddit: r/MurderedByWords

It's a good thing that cars are improving.

Reddit: r/MurderedByWords

Behavioral Economics and Car Buying Decisions

Behavioral economics provides insight into how emotional and cognitive biases influence consumer decisions, including those related to car purchases. The concept of 'loss aversion,' as identified by psychologists Daniel Kahneman and Amos Tversky, suggests that people prefer avoiding losses to acquiring equivalent gains. This can lead individuals to cling to outdated beliefs about older cars, perceiving any risk of change as a greater loss than the potential benefits of upgrading to a safer model.

To counteract this bias, it can be beneficial for consumers to create a list of pros and cons when considering a car purchase. Additionally, consulting with automotive experts or safety ratings can provide data-driven insights that may help mitigate the emotional weight of decision-making, ultimately leading to more informed choices.

Fiberglass is easy to repair.

Reddit: r/MurderedByWords

A good and quite informative ”murder”.

Reddit: r/MurderedByWords

An older car would have led to their death.

Reddit: r/MurderedByWords

Cognitive Dissonance in Beliefs About Safety

Cognitive dissonance theory posits that when individuals hold conflicting beliefs, they experience psychological discomfort, leading them to change their beliefs or rationalize their decisions. In the context of old versus modern cars, someone might feel discomfort when presented with evidence that modern cars are statistically safer yet still prefer their vintage vehicle. This discomfort can lead to rationalizations that dismiss factual safety data to maintain their original beliefs.

To alleviate cognitive dissonance, individuals can be encouraged to reflect on their values and the weight they place on safety versus nostalgia. Engaging in open discussions with peers or professionals about vehicle safety could facilitate a more balanced perspective that acknowledges both emotional and factual aspects of car ownership.

Automobile engineering never fails to amaze us.

Reddit: r/MurderedByWords

“Nobody died, and they were all able to walk away from the accident.”

Reddit: r/MurderedByWords

“It's an IRL tram puzzle.”

Reddit: r/MurderedByWords

The Impact of Social Media on Perceptions

Social media platforms can amplify misconceptions about car safety due to the speed and volume of information shared. Dr. Steven Pinker, a cognitive scientist, emphasizes that "the rapid dissemination of information can lead to the reinforcement of existing beliefs, making it challenging for individuals to encounter diverse viewpoints." This sentiment is echoed by the Harvard University professor's website, which discusses how social media can create a feedback loop that strengthens confirmation bias and distorts public understanding of issues, including car safety.

To combat this phenomenon, individuals should be encouraged to critically evaluate information sources and actively seek out evidence-based content. Engaging with automotive safety experts through forums or educational webinars can help break down misinformation and promote a more accurate understanding of vehicle safety. As Dr. Barry Schwartz, a choice researcher, notes, "Understanding the complexities of decision-making can empower individuals to make more informed choices." You can find more insights on his work at barryschwartz.org.

Many people claim that old-school cars used to be safer, and that can't be further from the truth. The Tumblr user in the screenshots above did everyone a favor by explaining how wrong this widespread idea is.

People are working hard every day to improve car safety and reduce deaths and we need to appreciate their efforts and praise them for them. If you enjoyed reading this, make sure to check out similar content on our platform.

Psychological Analysis

This situation illustrates how emotional attachments to past technologies can skew perceptions of current innovations.

Recognizing these biases is crucial for engaging in productive conversations about technology and making informed choices.

Analysis generated by AI

Analysis & Alternative Approaches

Understanding cognitive biases in technology perceptions can lead to more informed discussions and decisions.

As noted by Dr. William Doherty, a family therapist, "Recognizing the emotional influences on our evaluations of technology is crucial for navigating our perceptions effectively."

By fostering open-mindedness and curiosity, individuals can navigate discussions about technology more effectively.

The ongoing debate about the safety of old versus modern cars underscores the importance of understanding psychological biases and cognitive processes that influence our beliefs and decisions. Mental health professionals recognize these patterns as common cognitive distortions that can lead to harmful misconceptions. Addressing these biases through education, open dialogue, and a willingness to engage with diverse perspectives can empower individuals to make informed choices that prioritize safety while respecting emotional attachments.

Ultimately, fostering an environment where evidence-based information is readily accessible and valued will help bridge the gap between perception and reality, enhancing public safety and awareness in the automotive landscape.